How to Create Applique Letters for Shirts Using an Embroidery Machine

Explore your creativity by using different colored threads when stitching your applique.

Embroidery machines make creating your own designs fast and easy. Add style to children's clothes by embroidering applique letters to their shirts. You can use the design letters that come with most embroidery machines or use software that allows you to create your own designs. This is a fun project for you and your child to explore your creativity together.

Things You'll Need

• Embroidery thread
• Scissors
• Fabric for applique
• Applique software (optional)

Instructions

1. Load your letter applique design into your embroidery machine. All embroidery machines come with software that has a wide variety of designs, but most machines allow you to load software that is used for creating custom embroidery designs.

2. Stabilize the material that the finished product will be on by hooping the material between the bottom of the hoop and the needle plate.

3. Select the thread color and stitch the outline of the applique.

4. Place the fabric used for the applique over the outline. Sew the applique fabric using the tacking stitch. You need to hold the fabric down to ensure it does not wrinkle or pucker.

5. Remove the hoop from the machine and then cut the excess fabric from the applique. Once the excess fabric is removed, trim any stray threads or material.

6. Place the hoop back in the machine and sew the final tacking stitch. Follow up with a final outline stitch.

References

• Windstar Embroidery: Applique Tutorial for Machine Embroidery
• Embroidery Machine Essentials; Mary Mulari
• Bunnycup Embroidery: Machine Embroidery Tips